Exocrine pancreatic function in insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus

Exocrine pancreatic function was studied in patients with long-standing insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus using the secretin-pancreozymin test (n = 53), and estimation of immunoreactive trypsin (n = 43) and pancreatic isoamylase (n = 43). The secretin-pancreozymin test was abnormal in 23 patients (43%). The abnormalities found were a decreased output of lipase (37%), amylase (36%) or trypsin (26%) and bicarbonate (15%). Serum immunoreactive trypsin was below normal in only 6 (14%) and pancreatic isoamylase in 29 (67%) patients. There was no correlation between impairment of the secretin-pancreozymin test and decreased serum enzyme levels. It is concluded that an impairment of exocrine pancreatic function is frequent in insulin-dependent diabetics but that a decrease in serum enzymes, especially in pancreatic isoamylase, does not reflect an impairment of pancreatic function in these patients.

Esterase-16 (es-16): characterization, polymorphism, and linkage to chromosome 3 of a kidney esterase locus of the house mouse

A polymorphism for an isozyme of a presumed arylesterase, esterase-16 (EC 3.1.1.2), has been detected in kidney, heart, and spleen of the house mouse, Mus musculus, by means of isoelectric focusing and by disc electrophoresis. Three phenotypes can be distinquished: the ES-16A phenotype (IEP 5.9) was found in C57BL/10Sn and many other laboratory inbred strains; the ES-16B phenotype (IEP 6.1) was found in M. m. molossinus; and the ES-16C phenotype (IEP 5.9; very weak activity) was found in Peru-Coppock. Esterase-16 is strongly inhibited by 10(-3) M p-chloromercuribenzoate, but not by 2. 10(-4) M bis-p-nitrophenyl phosphate or by 10(-3) M Diamox. It stains well with indoxyl acetate and other indigogenic substrates but only weakly with alpha-naphthyl acetate. Esterase-16 is completely insoluble in water. It is apparently governed by a structural gene locus, Es-16, with three alleles, Es-16a, Es-16b, and ES-16c, respectively. Es-16 is closely linked to Car-1 and Car-2 on chromosome 3 Typing of 94 animals of the backcross (C57BL/10Sn x M. m. mol.) F1 x M. m. mol. revealed a recombination frequency of 8.51 /+- 2.9%.

Prt-4 and Prt-5: new constituents of a gene cluster on chromosome 7 coding for esterproteases in the submandibular gland of the house mouse (Mus musculus)

The heredity and linkage of gene loci were established for two different enzymes with esterproteolytic activity from mouse submandibular gland: protease A and protease E. Based upon strain distribution and biochemical properties of the two esterproteases, the existence of two corresponding structural loci is proposed: Prt-4 (protease A) and Prt-5 (protease E). Prt-4 and Prt-5 proved to be different from Tam-1. From a four-point-cross, the gene order Gpi-1-(Tam-1, Prt-4, Prt-5)-c is suggested. Thus a gene cluster was shown to exist on chromosome 7 coding for esterproteases, all of which are controlled by testosterone.

Purification and characterization of esterase 1F, the albumin esterase of the house mouse (Mus musculus)

Esterase 1F was isolated from mouse serum and purified by ion-exchange chromatography, isoelectrofocusing, and molecular sieve chromatography. It is considered to be a glycoprotein with an apparent molecular weight of 75 000. The equivalent weight (approximately equal to 77 000 X g/mol) was estimated by titration of the catalytic site with diethyl p-nitrophenyl phosphate. The Michaelis constant Km and the catalytic constant kcat of the enzyme for 4-nitrophenyl hexanoate were determined. Esterase 1F is characterized by its ability to split a wide spectrum of substrates and its relatively low turnover rates towards the substrates tested. It belongs to the isozyme system of carboxylesterase (EC 3.1.1.1) coded for by chromosome 8. Esterase 1F was compared with three other genetically related isozymes, esterase 2, esterase 7 and esterase 9, with respect to some physical and catalytic properties.

Prediction of secondary structural elements in glycerol-3-phosphate dehydrogenase by comparison with other dehydrogenases

The secondary structure of glycerol-3-phosphate dehydrogenase was predicted from its amino acid sequence. The pattern of helices and sheets within the first half of the polypeptide as well as specific marker residues were consistent with the properties of the NAD binding domain in other dehydrogenases. The second half of the sequence shows similarities with the catalytic domain of glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase. The resulting two-domain structure of glycerol-3-phosphate dehydrogenase allows the correct environment for the B specificity of the nicotinamide ring and the L-glycerol 3-phosphate substrate.

[Functional diagnostics of the adrenal cortex following long term treatment with prednisolone]

Promounced cases of disturbances of the function of the adrenal cortex may more certainly be found out with the help of the enlarged sinacthen test than after a stimulation done only but once. In a long-term prednisolone therapy of 10 mg/a day we could observe signs of disturbances of the function of the adrenal cortex. A clear evidence in the estimation of the individual value is possible only in decreased plasmacortisol levels which are during the whole course of the experiment. When a prednisolone therapy is established for a longer time apart from the sequels at the adrenal cortex should be thought also of the great number of the side effects caused by the catabolic properties of the cortico-steroids.

[Variations in the muscular insertion, the course and elasticity of the muscles in people suffering from squint (author's transl)]

Variations in the area of the insertions of the rectus muscles are quite often observed. We have been paying more attention to these changes during the past year, and therefore we measured the distance of insertion from the corneal limbus during 310 squint operations. Furthermore we noted the width of the tendon at the insertion, atypical forms of insertions and finally we tried to evaluate the factor of muscular elasticity. The findings are as follows: 1. The arithmetical mean of the distance of insertion from the limbus was slightly less than cited in literature on this subject. It was not unusual to find variations of up to 4mm, even between the same muscles of both eyes. This seems to have little influence on the primary position and on the success of surgical interventions; when they do not exceed the measures cited in our paper. The relatively great area of contact will balance these variations. 2. We could not find a correlation between anomalies of refraction and the distance of insertions of the limbus. The insertions of higher degree hyperopia was not closer to the limbus. 3. The arithmetical mean of the width of tendon conformed to the values as shown in the literature. A range up to 8 mm for the medial rectus, up to 5,5 mm for the lateral rectus and up to 2,5 mm for the vertical rectus were observed. 4. We could see variations of the insertions: upward and downward and furthermore different lines of insertions: arched and step-like. These anomalies were found 52 times among the 310 muscles measured. 5. An increased muscular rigidity was felt in 56 medial rectus and in 13 lateral rectus muscels. In 21 cases the course of the horizontal muscles was atypical, i.e., they ran from below diagonally out of the orbita.

On the linkages between chromophore and protein in biliproteins, VII. Amino acid sequence in the chromophore regions of C-phycoerythrin from Pseudanabaena W 1173 and Phormidium persicinum

Bilipeptides from all chromophore regions were prepared by trypsin digestion of C-phycoerythrin from Pseudanabaena W 1173 and Phormidium persicinum. Analytical separation and quantitative determination of bilipeptides was achieved by isoelectric focusing, preparative isolation by gel chromatography and ion-exchange chromatography. Amino acid analysis revealed cysteine as the only amino acid common to all chromopeptides. Amino acid sequences were determined by Edman degradation and the dansyl-Edman technique. Sequences are different in all 5 and 6 chromophore regions, respectively. Possible homologies are discussed. A thioether linkage between ring A of the chromophore and cysteine was found in the bilipeptides (as before in biliproteins). A second linkage (serine ester) was found in only one peptide (CM 4.I from Pseudanabaena W 1173). This peptide absorbs as cation at a longer wavelength (559 nm) than the other bilipeptides (542 - 550 nm).

Evaluation of methaemalbumin in acute pancreatitis

Methaemalbumin (MHA) was measured in 62 patients with acute pancreatitis. In 26 MHA-positive patients the occurrence of renal and pulmonary complications was 65% and 58%, respectively, compared with 3% and 6% in 36 MHA-negative patients. Fatality rate was 54% in MHA-positive and 6% in MHA-negative patients. In 17 MHA-positive cases haemorrhagic pancreatitis was proven at laparotomy or postmortem examination. Thus MHA determination proved to be a valuable diagnostic and prognostic parameter in acute pancreatitis.

Electrical stimulation in chronic low-back pain

Since 1972, 367 patients with chronic low-back pain have been treated by electrical stimulation (e.s.). Patients with herniated disc lesions and spondylitis and allied conditions were included. Following e.s. 75-100% pain relief was obtained by 53% of the patients 50% pain relief by 27% and there was no improvement in 20% of patients. In a follow-up of 208 patients, 6-36 months later, approximately 70% stated that pain relief was similar to that obtained at the end of treatment.

Radioimmunoassay for porcine lipotrophic peptide B

A sensitive radioimmunoassay for the lipolytic peptide B from pig pituitary glands has been developed. Antisera were raised in rabbits, which allowed a final dilution of 1:6000. Free and antibody bound [125I]peptide B could be separated by double antibody, by dextran-coated charcoal and by polyethyleneglycol. The smallest detectable amount was 0.5 ng/ml. Peptide B could be measured irregularly in porcine sera; there was cross-reacting material in an extract of a total human pituitary gland, but not in human sera. The assay seems specific except for a strong cross-reaction with porcine neurophysin. There are indications that peptide B consists of neurophysin and a small lipolytically active peptide which remains to be further characterized.

[Results of objective accommodation determination in eyes with alternating functional central scotoma (alternating strabismus) (author's transl)]

Objective determination of monocular accommodation in young eyes revealed a different behaviour in strabismus alternans from that in normal binocular vision. This manifested itself by strongly differing individual responses, less correct values in physiological and unphysiological accommodation tests, and different reactions on hindering clear vision that cannot be compensated by refraction changes. The possibility of central scotoma, persisting during fixation and varying in density, occurring in alternating strabismus, is discussed.

Specificity of increased amylase to creatinine clearance ratio in acute pancreatitis

The amylase to creatinine clearance ratio was found to be normal in 11 of 33 patients with acute pancreatitis. The ratio was elevated in 10 of 19 patients with renal insufficiency. Thus, it does not seem to be a specific index in the diagnosis of acute pancreatitis.

Electric stimulation in chronic headaches

Therapeutic electric stimulation in cases of chronic headaches was carried out in 150 patients. Migraine was diagnosed in 40 cases, common vasomotor headache in 63, cervical migraine in 24, Horton's neuralgia in 5 and complex headaches in 18 cases. The results are reported here, which were best in the cervical migraine syndrome, while in the typical migraine they were the least successful.

[Objective determination of the consensual accommodation (author's transl)]

The direct and consensual accommodation of both eyes were determined by a modified coincidence refractometer. Young individuals with normal monocular and binocular vision revealed a close quantitative correspondence between the direct and the ipsi- and contralateral consensual accommodation. Experimental impairment of the function of the ciliary muscle by medical means caused disturbed consensual accommodation of both eyes. The weakening of the function of the ciliary muscle of one eye by instillation of, for example Homatropin leads to an important increase of the contralateral and diminution of the ipsilateral consensual accommodation. By the results of the investigations it was concluded: 1. that the regulation of the direct accommodation reflex is influenced also by the function of the ciliary muscle in the fixating eye and has stimulating and depressing components, 2. that the innervation of the nonfixating eye passes through an efferent neuron, from where the accommodation impulse emerges to both eyes. - The anatomically based relation between the direct and the ipsilateral and contralateral consensual accommodation allows one to use its quantitative determination in both eyes as a diagnostic test in afferent and efferent disturbances of the accommodation reflex.

Electrostimulation in the management of chronic pain

A new form of electrostimulation was investigated in a series of 768 patients with chronic pain. The method is based on the insertion of needle-electrodes in symmetrically selected points of the body and the passage of an electrical current of specified parameters. Treatment sessions last about 15-20 min and are repeated at intervals of 1 to 7 days. The procedure is simple and free from undesirable side effects. The investigation was based on 12000 sessions. The results of the treatment are discussed. No hypothesis of the mechanism of the beneficial effects obtained by electrostimulation is given, though the gate control theory of pain is cited.

Isolation and characterization of a mitochondrially synthesized polypeptide from Neurospora crassa cni-1 mutant

A polypeptide with a molecular weight of 8 500 (HP 8 500) was isolated from the mitochondrial membrane of the nuclear mutant cni-1 of Neurospora crassa. This mutant is characterized by a cyanide-insensitive respiration and by a deficiency in the cytochromes aa3 and b. The polypeptide is synthesized on mitochondrial ribosomes. It has an extremely hydrophobic character; it is insoluble in aqueous media in the absence of sodium dodecylsulfate and is soluble in acid chloroform/methanol. It lacks histidine. The polar amino acids lysine, arginine, aspartic acid, glutamic acid, serine and threonine make up only 25% of the total amino acids on a mole-percent basis. The N-terminal amino acid is tyrosine. The possible function of this polypeptide in the mitochondrial membrane is discussed.

[Visual training of partial blinds due to organic lesions (author's transl)]

The immanent sense of optic orientation in space is related to the unchangeable line of principal visual direction and its collaterals. Therefore in patients with loss of central vision due to organic lesion the orientation in space is impaired as well. as a result of a vicious circle of indistinct vision, eccentric fixation and suppresion of foveal perception. By a systematic training the normal sense of direction may be restored and thereby relatively good orientation and by reactivation of the suppressed macular perceptions some reading ability may be regained. Based on experience during 15 years the special diagnostic, the training course and the results of the method are reported and the possibility of rehabilitation of patients with to a high degree impaired central vision due to organic lesions is shown.

[Objective determination of accommodation in eyes with permanent central scotoma due to amblyopia (author's transl)]

Objective determination of accommodation in 38 children with permanent central scotoma due to amblyopia on one side (with central and eccentric fixation) revealed: 1. The physiological adaptation of refraction for far and near distances did not serve its purpose. 2. There was either no or an irregular response on hyperopia, which was produced by placing concave lenses in front of the eye while fixing a far object, or on myopia produced by placing convex lenses in front of the eye while fixing a near object. 3. On hindering clear vision which could not be compensated by accommodation there was contrary to normal eyes no reactive change of refraction at all or only a poor one. The accommodation behavior in eyes with permanent central scotoma due to amblyopia does not differ from that in eyes with permanent central scotoma due to organic lesions when using the same test methods.